Knowledge, preventive behavior and risk perception regarding COVID-19: a self-reported study on college students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Limited studies exist on COVID-19 knowledge and preventive practices among medical students.
• Assessing knowledge, behavior, and risk perception is crucial for pandemic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine knowledge, self-reported preventive behavior, and risk perception of COVID-19 among Libyan college students.
• To compare these factors between medical and non-medical students.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 3669 participants (medical and non-medical students) in Libya.
• Data collected included participant characteristics, COVID-19 knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perception.

Main Results:

• Overall knowledge score was 71.8%, with significant differences between medical and non-medical students (p < 0.001).
• Preventive behavior score was high at 92.7% for all students.
• Knowledge varied significantly by age, year of study, and financial source (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Libyan college students exhibit substantial knowledge and positive preventive behaviors towards COVID-19.
• There is a need for broader public health education programs targeting all societal sectors to enhance pandemic control efforts.